Hawaii’s Best Places to Work 2011

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Hawaii’s Best Places to Work 2011

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Methodology

The Best Places to Work in Hawaii is a partnership between Hawaii Business and Best Companies Group of Harrisburg, Pa. BCG is an independent workplace-excellence research firm that partners with local publications and organizations to create similar lists nationwide.

The program is free and open to all publicly and privately held organizations, either for-profit or nonprofit. To be eligible, companies must have 15 or more employees working in Hawaii. BCG surveys employees and assesses the company’s policies and practices, evaluates the data, and ultimately selects the companies appearing on the list and ranks them.

If you would like more detailed information on this year’s Best Places to Work, you can purchase and download a Microsoft Excel file of all the companies and their benefits byclicking here. You can find out who has the most vacation days, who has the highest average salary, who pays for employees’ gym memberships, and more.

250 or more employees

Employees can go back to school at Shell Vacations Hospitality University. The curriculum offers more than 50 classes for all levels of employees, from service stands to company history to how to create a budget. Employees receive credits and can earn certifications.2 Edward Jones
U.S. Headquarters: St. Louis, Mo.www.edwardjones.com

At Edward Jones, any associate in good standing after three years of service can be considered for limited partnership with the firm. Nationally, there are 14,937 limited partners and 347 general partners. Nearly half of all associates, from administrative assistants to top firm leaders, own a piece of the company.3 University of Phoenix
U.S. Headquarters: Phoenix, Az.www.phoenix.edu

At the University of Phoenix, employees can receive a 100-percent tuition waiver for an associate’s, bachelor’s or graduate degree, and 75-percent tuition waiver for a doctorate. Employees’ dependents receive a 43-percent tuition discount for graduate degrees and doctorates.4 New York Life
U.S. Headquarters: New York, N.Y.www.honolulu.nyloffices.com

The top financial professionals throughout the John Hancock national network are invited to the Achieving Client Excellence (ACE) Program. The elite top 50 financial professionals – ACE Platinum – are also extended a special invitation to join the ACE Elite Practice Enhancement Platform.6 Nordic PCL Construction, Inc.
U.S. Headquarters: Denver, Colo.www.nordicpcl.com

Employees: 84 (Hawaii) / 1,249 (U.S. total)
Average annual pay: NA

Nordic PCL is an employee-owned company. Share purchase is not required, but shareholders can share in the company’s profits. The company also awards annual performance bonuses averaging 8 percent to 10 percent of an employee’s annual salary.

Booz Allen is a consulting firm providing professional services to U.S. government agencies in the defense, security and civil sectors, and also for-profit and nonprofit organizations. It offers a flexible work schedule, $5,000 annual tuition reimbursement, and challenging and rewarding work assignments helping its clients solve their most difficult challenges.8 Monsanto Hawaii
U.S. Headquarters: St. Louis, Mo.www.monsanto.com

The seed-producing company offers great benefits, including medical coverage for employee dependents up to the age of 25. The company has donated $95,000 to the Nature Conservancy in Hawaii since 2005, and has donated $170,000 to Aloha United Way since 2000. Monsanto conducts a live Global Town Hall with its CEO. The company holds a quarterly Hawaii Town Hall to address local issues.9 Deloitte
U.S. Headquarters: New York, N.Y.www.deloitte.com

The consulting and financial-services firm has replaced the one-size-fits-all corporate training system and has established the Deloitte Talent Experience. The program gives its employees options to build their careers, whatever their stage in life. The firm also has an annual incentive program for senior consultants based on individual performance. In addition, the firm provides a number of spot-bonus awards. Depending on the contribution, they can range from applause awards of between $50 and $100 to outstanding performance awards of several thousand dollars.10 First Insurance Company of Hawaii Ltd.
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.ficoh.com

The property and casualty insurance carrier offers a wide range of benefits, from an incentive savings plan with a company match and a pension plan to an on-site cafeteria and taebo classes. The company also has a profit-plus plan. In addition to an employee’s salary, he or she is eligible for a bonus based on company profitability or individual performance.11 Servco Pacific Inc.
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.servco.com

Servco has an on-site wellness center where employees can exercise four nights a week. One night is reserved for league games, including basketball and volleyball. Fresh, locally grown vegetables from Kula Fields are delivered to the office bi-weekly. The company also offers monetary incentives to employees involved in exercise classes, community races and other wellness activities.

The civil contracting company provides a career-development program for staff with up to four years of experience. It invites local recruiting sources to help recruit a diverse workforce for craft and trade employees.13 Hawaiian Telcom
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.hawaiiantel.com

According to internal company surveys, 86 percent of Hawaiian Telcom’s employees are proud to work at the company. Employees enjoy the nearly 100-percent-paid medical coverage for themselves and their families. The company also matches employee contributions to nonprofits and educational institutions.14 Castle Medical Center
Parent Company Headquarters:
Roseville, Calif.www.castlemed.org

The hospital in Kailua has plenty of unique benefits, including an on-site mini-farmers’ market on Tuesdays, where employees can pick up a box of vegetables for $10. An on-site infant-care program is subsidized by the company. There’s a vegetarian cafeteria. Employees who go “above and beyond” are eligible for $250 bonuses.

The bank has a casual dress policy, including tellers wearing T-shirts. Pay periods are every Friday. The company has a corporate wellness program, and gives $25 to employees just for taking the evaluation. To drive participation, the company has raffled off iPads, iPods, vacation days and gift cards. The biggest prize to date: a Honda Accord.16 Maui Divers Jewelry
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.mauidivers.com

Maui Divers has an employee stock-ownership plan. If an employee has 10 years at the company and is age 55 when he or she retires, the employee can cash out the stocks. Some employee balances have been more than $100,000.17 Wyndham Vacation Ownership
U.S. Headquarters: Orlando, Fla.www.wyndhamvacationownership.com

Through the timeshare company’s WynWorld Escapes program, employees can receive significant discounts at Wyndham properties around the world. Airfare, rental cars and tickets to attractions can also be discounted.18 Parents and Children Together
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.pacthawaii.org

PACT provides child and family services to 17,000 people statewide. In addition to holidays, some staffers are allowed two “mental-health” days off each fiscal year. The mental health days are for employees who need to take a break from work and the office, even though they may not be physically sick.19 The Berry Company
U.S. Headquarters: Englewood, Colo.www.berrymeansbusiness.com

Employees: 44 (Hawaii) / 855 (U.S. total)
Average annual pay: NA

The advertising and public relations company wants its employees to be well-trained and offers a tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 a year for approved course work. To sell advertisements for the Yellow Pages and Google Ad Words, the company has trained its staff in all areas of digital search. Each of its consultants completed more than 100 hours of training last year.20 Wayland Baptist University – Hawaii
U.S. Headquarters: Plainview, Texaswww.wbu.edu/hawaii

At this institute of higher education employees can take up to three credits per term to earn a degree for free. Dependents can take up to 30 credits. Each year, the entire university system awards an External Campus Employee of the Year award. Last year’s recipient was the assistant dean of the Hawaii campus.

Medium Companies

50 to 249 employees

The architecture and engineering consulting firm promotes wellness by paying $200 toward a gym membership, exercise equipment or any other fitness- and health-related costs. Over the past 10 years, the company has paid bonuses to employees twice a year.2 Watts Constructors
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.wattsconstructors.com

The general contracting company supports continuing education and pays for off-site training costs as well as offers in-office technical training. Watts established a cash bonus plan to compensate employees fairly, and employees are rewarded for helping to accomplish the company’s financial goals.3 PKF Pacific Hawaii, LLP
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.pkfpacifichawaii.com

PKF Pacific Hawaii (the former Honolulu office of Grant Thornton) closed its office for its annual meeting – in Las Vegas. (Airfare and hotel costs paid by the company, of course.) In addition, PKF has a playroom for employees’ children just in case they can’t find a babysitter.4 SSFM International, Inc.
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.ssfm.com

Not only does SSFM have great engineers, it has great public speakers: The company has an on-site Toastmasters club chapter, fully funded by SSFM. The firm also holds an Office Olympics, with events such as synchronized office chairs, a blueprint-plan toss game, a CD toss game and a relay race. Teams are divided by engineering discipline and winners receive awards, lunch and cake. In addition, a masseuse visits the office once a month and fitness and karate classes are taught on-site as well.

The engineering firm provides plenty of opportunities for its employees to achieve work-life balance. One is allowing a flexible schedule of nine-hour workdays Monday through Thursday with a half-day on Friday. And no need to rush to the gym – the firm has set up an on-site exercise and weight room.6 Island Insurance Company, Ltd.
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.islandinsurance.com

Island Insurance motivates its employees with a generous profit-sharing program and annual incentive bonuses. Since it is an insurance company, employees get discounts on auto, home and even pet insurance. On the fun side, Island Insurance offers electric slide and chicken dance lessons.

What’s the best perk about working at the Hawaiian Humane Society? Bringing your pets to work! The company also recognizes its employees’ accomplishments in a monthly newsletter and celebrates birthdays and work anniversaries with cards and cupcakes.8 Trump International Hotel
Waikiki Beach Walk
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.trumpwaikikihotel.com

Employees: 160
Average annual pay: NA

As a young hotel brand, the Trump asks the staff for ideas and contributions to build the company culture. At an annual “You’re Hired” employee event, guests nominate an outstanding associate. The winner receives a roundtrip flight to New York, a two-night stay at a Trump property, $250 in cash and two tickets to the TV show “The Apprentice” season finale.

Hawaii’s largest insurance agency loves to celebrate. There’s an annual luncheon in the summer, a holiday party in December, and the president even dressed up as a bunny last Easter to distribute Jamba Juice treats and Hawaii Business Best Places to Work mugs. Every August, Atlas closes the office for an afternoon and sends all employees to a movie theater with tickets and refreshments.

Despite offering financial services, Aloha Pacific is definitely not filled with stodgy bankers. On a whim, the president and VP went out to all the branch locations and delivered ice cream. The company also has a fairly competitive Halloween costume party, driven mostly by the employees’ pride and ingenuity.11 Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL)
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.prel.org

PREL is a nonprofit that works with schools and school systems to provide services ranging from curriculum development to assessment and evaluation. The company contributes 12.5 percent of an employee’s annual salary to a pension plan, with no match required. The staff chooses an employee of the year and the winner receives an award, a place on the perpetual trophy, and a choice of $500 or an additional two days of annual leave.12 Maryknoll School
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.maryknollschool.org

At the pre-K through 12 Catholic coeducational school, one child in an employee’s family is eligible for 100-percent tuition remission. The company matches retirement contributions up to 7.5 percent of an employee’s salary. The president sends a weekly e-mail with a prayer or inspirational quote to faculty and staff.

KKV provides health and social services to 9,800 residents in Kalihi. Despite growing from five employees to 150, KKV maintains a culture of family. Long-time employees continue traditions such as door-to-door outreach and after-work football games on site. Food also plays an important role. Cooking together, cooking for each other and sharing cultural foods happens daily at KKV.14 John Mullen & Company
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.johnmullen.com

Employees are recognized for good work in Mullen Matters, the company newsletter. John Mullen & Company offers a bonus day off for employees with perfect attendance. Employees at the claims adjusting firm receive gifts for milestone anniversaries such as a leather business portfolio at five years and $200 at 10 years, going up to $1,000 at 35 years of service.15 ProService Hawaii
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.proservice.com

Each year, the professional employers organization sets company-wide goals. The highest goal achieved is typically rewarded with a weekend trip or hotel accommodations for all employees. There are also three large employee events. Every Friday, the staff enjoys casual-dress Friday along with free breakfast. An employee can receive $500 for an employee referral, and, if both employees are still at ProService after six months, the original employee is eligible for an extra $500.

Workers at Skyline Eco-Adventures already have an advantage because many employees get to work outside. If a tour location serves breakfast and lunch to guests, employees can eat for free. In order to promote fitness, employees are reimbursed for entry fees to running, cycling, swimming or surfing events.17 Seagull Schools Inc.
U.S. Headquarters: Kailuawww.seagullschools.com

Seagull Schools is made up of seven preschools and a food service, a business office and an adult daycare center. The company gives out random bonuses on random holidays throughout the year. In 2010, bonuses were given on Kuhio Day, May Day, even Talk Like a Pirate Day on Sept. 19, with checks accompanied by messages written in pirate speak. (Think “Argghh, matey!”) Other benefits include matching 401k contributions and safety incentives every quarter.

Small Companies

15 to 49 employees

This human resources administrator is less than two years old, but it’s got all the perks down and strives to create a culture of “Google meets Hawaii.” HiHR allows employees to bring their kids in and gives them the time to commute for their activities. The office itself has games to help employees relax during work hours – ping pong, foosball and Nintendo Wii. And lunch is on the house.2 Hawaii Information Consortium LLC(eHawaii.gov)
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.ehawaii.gov

Employees: 17
Average annual pay: NA

The team behindeHawaii.govbrings government services to 2.5 million citizens annually. The company supports wellness activities, paying for gym memberships and sponsoring triathlon races. Individuals and teams who showcase healthy living habits in an annual fitness challenge have received prizes such as free trips and gift certificates.

The engineering firm hands out two performance-based bonuses a year, typically about 9 percent of an employee’s salary. (Three bonuses are awarded in highly profitable years.) In the summer, the office closes for an afternoon for a company-wide kickball tournament and picnic.4 Wakelight Technologies, Inc.
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.wakelight.com

To keep its employees up to speed in the rapidly changing IT and telecommunications industry, Wakelight offers plenty of training benefits, including certification and refresher training to meet customer needs. Training is funded or reimbursed by the company.

Native Hawaiian Veterans provides consulting services for companies vying for federal contracts, with a focus on national security and public safety. The company was formed on five core values: “ohana,” the circle of those who are family and those chosen as family; “alakai,” leading with initiative and by setting a good example; “kinaole,” doing the right thing, the right way, the first time; “lokahi,” collaboration/cooperation, working together to achieve more; and “hookipa,” generosity, sharing with our ohana and our community.6 Wealth Managing Partners, Inc.
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.wm-partners.com

In order to promote a healthy work-life balance among its employees, this independent financial-services firm discourages overtime or keeps it at a minimum. The company also has a profit-sharing program, through which employees receive bonuses whenever the company makes a profit.7 Hawaii Families as Allies
U.S. Headquarters: Aieawww.hfaa.net

The company helps parents foster meaningful family involvement. It treats employees with the same respect, allowing flexible work schedules and paying 100 percent of medical and dental care for the employees.8 Honolulu Board of Realtors
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.hicentral.com

HBR holds annual staff retreats, and not just anywhere. The office closes down for a day while the staff goes on all-day excursions to play mini-golf, go bowling and tour places such as the Arizona Memorial, Iolani Palace and Kualoa Ranch.

Pacific Administrators is a third-party benefits administrator that hands out plenty of benefits to its own employees. There’s an office “quiet” room with five rocking recliner chairs playing soothing nature sounds. Three times a year employees take the afternoon off and watch a movie.10 Edible Arrangements, Manoa Marketplace
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.ediblearrangements.com

Employees: 24
Average annual pay: NA

Edible Arrangements makes fresh-fruit arrangements – sometimes dipped in chocolate – for all types of occasions. Employees are encouraged to sample the product to ensure freshness and quality, and help sales representatives sell the product. Because many part-time employees are UH students from the Mainland, the company takes them to a restaurant and gives them a gift to bid them farewell when they leave.11 Intech Hawaii
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.intech-hawaii.com

Intech provides managed IT services for businesses and trains employees in great customer service. Each month, employees compete for “customer kudos,” and the person with the most is rewarded with a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.com. The company also bought an Xbox 360 and now the employees hold Rock Band Night in the conference room.12 Integrated Security Technologies, Inc.
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.istechs.net

Employees: 18
Average annual pay: $70,000

IST provides all facets of physical security systems, from consulting to installation and maintenance. The company’s 3 percent 401k contribution is fully vested after one year, with no matching employee contribution required. Last December, all employees received an iPad.

IAAK provides educational computer software to public schools to help K through 12 students reach academic success, and employees with children are able to use the software themselves for free. The company implemented metrics for business, and employees are eligible for bonuses, including all-expense-paid trips to Las Vegas.

Hale Ola Kino is a 32-bed nursing community providing rehabilitation and long-term care. The company believes in work-life balance, and many employees work four days per week to spend more time with their families. At Hale Ola Kino, 30 hours of work per week is considered full time. If employees waive health benefits because they are covered elsewhere, they can receive a comparable amount of cash in place of the benefits.15 Maui Family Support Services, Inc.
U.S. Headquarters: Wailukuwww.mfss.org

This nonprofit provides family strengthening services and child-abuse prevention services at no charge to Valley Isle families. MFSS recruits from families it has served, ensuring the staff represents the client demographic. Employees can bring in their children. The nonprofit has a leadership-development program to train staff for new positions.16 Hawaii Central Credit Union
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.hccu.info

The credit union supports wellness by awarding exercisers with tokens, which can be redeemed for prizes. HCCU had a “Biggest Loser” contest to promote wellness and awarded 100 tokens to the employee who lost the most weight in a three-month period.17 Life Foundation
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.lifefoundation.org

Employees: 32
Average annual pay: $40,000

The Life Foundation is dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV and helping people with HIV and AIDS. As such, it seeks staff who can relate to its clients on a peer basis and among its recruits are minorities and individuals who are transgender, gay/bisexual, HIV-positive, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander. The nonprofit offers paid time-off days, which is sick leave, vacation and holidays all rolled into one.

Sales employees are offered incentives for selling beyond their goals, and non-sales employees are eligible for quarterly bonuses. Each employee receives a 360-degree evaluation twice a year. The corporate culture follows the Rockefeller Habits, which include consistent and regular team huddles and sharing good news daily.20 T&T Tinting Specialists
U.S. Headquarters: Honoluluwww.tnttinting.com

Many of the tinting company’s policies and procedures are the direct result of employee input. The company names an employee of the quarter and employee of the year. The employee of the year gets his or her name and photo on a perpetual plaque in the showroom, an award and certificate presented at the holiday party, four additional paid time-off days and $500.21 Paradise Nursing Workforce, LLC
U.S. Headquarters: Kahalawww.paradisenursing.net

The homecare service provider serves clients all over Oahu, and employees are happy to stay close to home or travel around the island, meeting people of varied backgrounds and cultures. The company provides a 24-hour on-call registered nurse to answer any questions, and offers free training for caregivers.22 Maui County Federal Credit Union
U.S. Headquarters: Wailukuwww.mauicountyfcu.org

The credit union covers medical and dental costs for its employees and copayments for their dependents. Maui County FCU provides a retirement plan at no cost to the employee. Employees have volunteered for Maui County park cleanups and tree plantings.

This nonprofit helps parents find quality childcare providers. Its employees get interesting perks such as free yoga classes in the office. Great benefits offered to the staff are 21 days of sick leave and 21 days of vacation – all after the first year of employment.